Tag: #music

Natalie Shau is a mix media artist and a photographer from Vilnius, Lithuania. Influenced by religious imagery, fairytales illustrations and eclectic art world, she taps into the myths, dreams and steers the play of thought to where there is no rational boundary. She explores the complexities of human emotions, by suggesting vulnerability and strength of her surreal and extraordinary creatures. Natalie renders fantasy and reality themes provocatively and elegantly. Besides her personal artistic projects, she rigorously creates artwork for musicians, theatre, fashion magazines, writers and advertisement campaigns.

Forest Baby by Natalie ShauPowder by Natalie Shau

To learn about her and her vision, I had the opportunity to ask her few questions:

What inner force inspires you to create?

Inspiration is usually the beauty of nature and art (any kind, literature, painting, photography, cinema).

What about motivation, what is the outside force that compels you to create?

Motivation for me is when people like what I create and support my artwork.

Secret Emotions by Natalie Shau

Do you aspire to drive public awareness on current social or political issues when you are creating a work of art?

Some social issues sometimes, but political absolutely not. Everything nowadays is extremely polarized. And you are running a risk to get into a lot of trouble if you were to express your opinion, freely. I am certain many people prefer not to talk about what they really think nowadays. Specially when you are a public person.

Mon Plaisir by Natalie Shau

What is your dream project?

I would be very interested in creating a movie & a crazy photography set based on some dark fairytale.

Justine by Natalie ShauSnowflake by Natalie Shau

And, do you have a particular designer / brand / production that you would like to be involved in their’s marketing campaign?

Well maybe Gucci? That would be nice.

Do you have creative patterns, routines or rituals?

Yes, I usually work at night. Daytime I just can’t concentrate.

What’s the best advice you ever had about how to be more creative?

Listen to your inner true self.

What does women empowerment mean to you?

Don’t be a victim and fight for your goals.

What are your tips about building a brand name as an artist?

Just a lot of work, people develop styles only by creating and working.

What do you do to conquer fear or self doubt:

In such circumstances, I always think that I have so much while many others don’t even have basic things. So I must not complain.

What are you thoughts about the blockchain technology specially in support of digital art?

Well, I have not yet looked deep at it, yet, however, I am very very happy that there will be more possibilities for artists.

Would you consider using blockchain technology platform to reach global art enthusiasts?

Absolutely!

What are the problems in the Art Market that you would like these platforms to solve?

Well the biggest problem nowadays for independent artists is of course how to fund themselves and have the possibility to acquire new materials for their art projects.

What super power would you have liked to have ? and why?

Being able not to sleep. So I could create more and visit many places.

Imagine the beauty & the emotional connection to your fine jewellery is supported by conflict-free, fair labour and authenticity. Imagine that, one day, with a click on your cell-phone you can trace from it’s inception to production, the history or the past ownerships. One of the biggest challenges of fine jewellery specifically the diamond industry is the convincing fakes, the swags and the misleading claims.

Resolving these issues requires integration of innovative solutions into the trade such as Blockchain Technology. The transparency and the verification systems provided by this technology, corroborate trust and significantly reduce frauds whether in insurance realm or counterfeits. By creating immutable records to track and protect the valuable goods through Blockchain Technology, manufacturers and brands set the seal on the authenticity & ethical trade. Ultimately creating a progressive world where everyone is a winner.

The disruptive technology promotes socially fair transactions, prevents compromising reputation, and establishes personal connections between the customer and the brand. The industry is warming up, leveraging Blockchain Technology to generate value for it’s customers and reduce costs. One of the technology companies, offering solutions underpinned with Blockchain Technology for diamond industry is Everledger. A global start-up creating thumbprints across the supply chain pipeline to protect the ownership, authenticity, reputations and the challenges that bear a heavy cost not only for the owners, insurers, but to all parties involved.

Industry leaders such as Debeers are also investing in new platforms supported by Blockchain Technology to create highly secure database to record the activities throughout the supply chain while making sure that the sensitive data will remain between parties involved in the transaction. Thanks to Blockchain Technology, the ownership joy of DeBeers refined collections is largely expanded.

Art and culture are credited for our communities wellbeing, education and enlightening our emotional world. Various types of political statements, beliefs or social values have been produced and communicated through Art, Music or Literature by struggling artists and independent content creators of all kinds. Although, the digital revolution has reshaped the Art and Media industries by introducing different ways of production, distribution and enabling reasonably priced promotional campaigns, still the technology has its flaws. For many artists and content creators working with brick-and-mortar institutions, streaming or other social web-based platforms is a gruelling route. Why? simply, because of the unfair treatment by the powerful intermediaries as they offer insignificant royalty fees, commissions or payments.

Ipso-facto, keeping the torch of artistry lit, requires transparency and incentive. So enter blockchain technology. Progression from the age of information to age of value, the blockchain technology serves the two essential elements for support and creation of art. How? Well, the simple idea behind the technology is that information or anything of value such as music, art, money, IP, deeds,… can be securely stored and relocated on a expansive global distributed ledger or database, run on numerous machines. The principle behind blockchain is to fulfill common needs by establishing trust through mass collaboration and clever code.

The transparency factor is about the provenance and the authenticity of the art of all kinds. A well documented provenance confirms that the piece is authentic, not stolen and the history of the ownership.

The application of blockchain technology for verification and ownership of physical art has been employed by number of companies such as Verisart in Los Angeles, Tagsmart in London and Ascribe in Berlin. They provide certificates of authenticity and provenance records.

The concept of ownership and provenance can be used for digital art. Once the art has a story together with the element of scarcity, it becomes collectible and eventually adds financial value. Beatriz Ramos, a Venezuelan artist and CEO of DADA.nyc , has created decentralized digital art marketplace on the blockchain offering the transparency factor along with a social network where artists speak to each other through drawings.

The incentive factor allows the ethical and fair payment to the artist. The common good practiced at the very best as art lovers reach their “high” from the ownership and have fulfilled their moral imperative by supporting the artist fairly and directly. At the same time, the stimulus is significant for the artists to be in charge of their creative work and gain from their magic.

Travel is about transformation, a catalyst to make sense of people’s behaviour and observe the challenges and beauties of our planet. Visiting museums, sightseeing in a double decker bus or tasting the authentic dishes are experiences that we all strive to accomplish when we are travelling. However, our curiosity to get wind of the meaning of life for locals is indulged when we visit the ugly or the unpleasant still the charismatic neighbourhoods. Exploring the local slums & the stomping grounds, cast light on motives that influence political, social or cultural movement that spawn in a community.

El Campo de Cebada, in La Latina quarter, Madrid, is one of those local hangouts, with graffitis, musicians, plays and wave of people moving in and out. It was a sport centre that has been demolished and now is a temporary community space “por y para los vecinos – for and by the neighbours”, until the funding for new centre is raised. The confined space is about self expression, camaraderie and joy. The sense of belonging fused with personal identity is in the air, ranging from group of youth playing cards to dancing or music lovers sitting on a rusted chairs to enjoy the local artist to different groups of individuals with different backgrounds drinking, reading or relaxing. They are all merged in this rugged yet vibrant space to enjoy life.

The wisdom to engage the community to solve the collective challenges, foster creative learning and allow the abstract feelings of subjectivity rise between the inhabitants and the street performers and musicians, underlies the purpose of this space.

It made me wonder whether creating community spaces where the neighbours contribute to its development as a mean of dialogue and healthy activism can encourage respect, responsibility and compassion among the inhabitants?

How to run an effective awareness campaign? Regardless of the industry, your message whether rewarding or penalizing is to motivate your audience. The overarching goal of your communication strategy from achieving a social mission to other end of the spectrum increasing investor’s wealth, depends on your narrative.

From Prehistoric caveman to present day, we all have the need to connect, entertain or educate through storytelling. True, the means to disseminate stories have evolved and we have many options to connect with our audience, thanks to technology advances. However, the important element of your story is to bind your vision to the expectations, emotions or aspirations of your listeners.

Here are 5 tactics to incorporate in your storytelling initiatives:

Clearly define the problem, the resolution and recognize the style suitable to unify the audience’s mind. Whether you are gushing hope or change, meaningful and authoritative communication will mobilize support.

Convey your story in a non-linear way to prevent passive consumption. By creating a coordinated multi-media narratives, you nudge your audience to enthusiastically share. Tying up your content across multiple platforms, reinforces your message and the story takes a life of it’s own.

Repetition is effective due to the fact that it sways attitudes and fuels engagement. Delivering key messages in different context and multiple times, granted, will be received, will become familiar and gain traction.

Show people the roadmap or specify a timeline whether to prompt a one time action or spur a change in sentiment/preference.

Create a conceivable image and allow the audience to experience and exceed their expectations instead of introducing an Utopia leading to disappointment.

The manner you communicate your story is of the utmost importance. Creating a powerful narrative by producing a video, use of imagery combined with music amplifies key messages, persuades and makes it memorable to your consumers.

Do remember that an effective public relations plan is not about positive image more about sharing valuable information in the most creative and relevant ways. Authenticity, accuracy and reliability are your guiding lights to plan every step of the way.

“Those who do not use local guides are unable to obtain the advantages of the ground.” Sun Tzu

In the peer-to-peer culture, collaboration with influencers and journalists is important and crucial element of your plan. Partnering to create contents, having designated ambassadors and fathom solutions to better your community would be a powerful strategy.

A winning PR campaign knows its audience, has a concise and persuasive narrative, follows through the plan and is not distracted by outside factors. Be disciplined and communicate repeatedly your key messages. The golden rule for a plan to succeed is to keep the flow of communication with all involved.

How do you shine in this digital age? Making music, recording and distributing can all be done without ever leaving your room. The internet offers endless opportunities, harnessing the possibilities requires effective strategy. As an artist/musician, you want your music to touch peoples’ heart and soul, you want to be remembered. Whether you are just starting out or have some experience, you are ready to share your talent with the world. You have to prepare yourself mentally and focus on who you are and what actions you should take to represent your true self. Understand your expectations and reflect upon them. Be ready to embrace success. Once you are clear about your expectations you can take command and have a strategic action plan to connect with your audience and promote your music in tune with YOU.

Here are few steps to consider for your promotion:

Collaboration with other musicians, takes you in front of their fans. Identify musicians in your genre, and start with artists that are slightly more established than yourself. With an added impulse for them, your association will pave the road for your next approach to a more popular band and work your way up. Connect with music groups, either in Twitter chats or Facebook groups. Network, exchange ideas, support and inquire about gigging, recording, tour collaboration.

Promotion through media outlets, is similar to working with other acts. Start with smaller platforms, network and use their logos on your page or website. Gradually build up your resume and bigger outlets, TV Channels and websites will seek you and offer good exposure.

Your own website is your online starting point. First impressions count, investment on your own website allows you to control your contents, brand image, arrange your social media and widgets in one place aside from the flexibility to create polls and fan clubs. Include sponsors, create tailored advertisement without adhering to specific guidelines placed by 3rd party website. Certainly, it’s easier to manage your ranking and search engine results through your own domain name. You have the opportunity to build personal relationship with visitors and build a fan base. It’s absolutely necessary to be on 3rd party social media platforms, however be aware that they might not be as popular down the road and they might even shut down.

Be Social, but don’t try to be everywhere. Choose one or two social platforms and have a marketing strategy. Understand your goals, do you want to promote your album, sell tickets, raise funds, increase your followers or connect with the influencers? Who are your super fans? Where and how you can reach them? Have concrete and realistic goals. First, create magnetic profile and start posting entertaining, valuable and illuminating posts in the form of music, images, blogs, videos, vines, podcasts…, on regular basis. Be consistent with your schedule and ensure that your fans join in the conversation and leave a comment. Be approachable, share contents such as your recording experience with an amusing vine post, create a witty meme, in it’s growth and peek stage, that communicates your brand, make an impromptu artful video with your smart phone or make photo series that you post on instagram, in a period of time and add a message to each post.

Interaction with your fans, engage them to create contents. A well-received method is to ask your fans to interpret your songs with a creative videos and share them on instagram. The result is a fantastic website with inspiring and creative contents. Encourage them to share poems or art forms for your next album cover.

Although, having a long term strategy and investing in your public relation marketing will promote your music in a turbo fashion, it is vitally important to know who you want to become prior to what you need to do.